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mRRYING BELINDA 

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Marrying Belinda 



A Farce in One Act 



By 
GRACE COOKE STRONG 



BOSTON 

WALTER H. BAKER & CO. 

1912 



Marrying Belinda - pg , r 

— — ■ *z:| S?a3 

CHARACTERS 

Herman Lathrop, a wealthy banker, 
Sidney Craig, his nephew. 
Lee Benton, his private secretary. 
Henry Gray, a fortune-hunter. 
Mrs. Lathrop, Lathrop' *s wife. 
Selina Lathrop, his sister. 
Belinda, his daughter. 
Marie, a maid. 

Time — Evening of June 1st, present year. 




Copyright, 1912, by Walter H. Baker & Co. 



)C!.D 28697 



Marrying Belinda 



SCENE. — Library at Herman Lathrop's home. A window 
and one door with a key in it. Large screen near door, 
hiding one corner of the room. Desk covered with books 
and papers, and on it, a telephone. Several easy chairs. 
Bell for servant. 

(As the curtain rises, Lee Benton is seated at the desk, 
writing. Belinda, in white, is sitting near.} 

Benton (laying down pen). You certainly have hit the 
nail on the head this time. I'll see that this article is in to- 
morrow's Tribune. And how you've worked ! What would 
the cause of suffrage do without you ? 

Bel. (laughing). You overestimate my influence. At any 
rate, whatever good my feeble efforts have accomplished is due 
to you. I can never thank you enough. 

Benton (rising and coming nearer her). Thank me? 
When it's I that should be, and am overwhelmed with gratitude 
for what you have brought into my life. I came here to serve 
your father in a humble capacity, and you've given me your 
beautiful friendship and (Noise without.) 

Bel. (hastily rising). Some one is coming ! (Adds 
indifferently.) I thank you, Mr. Benton, for your kind as- 
sistance. 

Enter Mr. and Mrs. Lathrop. 

Benton (gathering up papers). You are most welcome, 
Miss Lathrop. (To Mr. L.) Is there anything more that I 
can do for you, sir? 

Mr. L. (sitting down). Nothing to-night, Benton ; but 
don't hurry. Stay and chat a while. 

Mrs. L. (sitting down). It will be a relief to talk to sensi- 
ble people after catering so long to Belinda's whims. 

Benton. Thank you. I'll not linger this evening, but I'll 
be within call down-stairs. \_Exit. 

(Bel. moves toward the door.) 



4 MARRYING BELINDA 

Mr. L. Wait a minute, Belinda. There's a matter I want 
to talk over with you. 

Bel. {wearily sitting down). We've thrashed this out 
so many times, father. It's of no use to talk any more. 

Mr. L. {sternly). It's got to be settled. Three months 
have passed since I received your aunt's letter demanding that 
you drop this foolish woman's suffrage business and settle down 
in marriage like any sensible woman, before January first, or 
else be disinherited. Still you continue to idle away your time 
as if there were nothing at stake. I won't have it ! 

Bel. {indignantly). My aunt or any one else has no 
right to demand that I marry before a certain time. 

Mr. L. She has a right to dispose of her money as she 
sees fit. 

Bel. {carelessly). Then let her dispose of it. 

Mr. L. Belinda, are you crazy? Half a million dollars, 
and you speak of it as if it were a box at the opera ! If you 
have so little anxiety for your future, I'll be anxious for you. 
Here's Henry Gray, ready to marry you at any moment 

Mrs. L. Herman, do read Selina's letter over again. 
Belinda may have forgotten the conditions. 

Bel. I've not forgotten. 

Mr. L. {fumbling in his pocket). I believe I have it, no, 
yes, here it is. {Draws out letter and opens it. Ashe reads, 
Mrs. L. listens with interest ; Bel. listens indifferently. 
He has hardly begun, when Sidney Craig enters the room 
noiselessly, perceives what is going on, and slips unobserved 
behind the screen, where he remains, an unnoticed but eager 
listener. Mr. L. reads.) "My dear Brother : Your last let- 
ter was duly received. I am glad that you and your family are 
well, and I wish that I could say the same of myself. I am an 
old woman, and life is short at the best. As you are aware, I 
have spent no little time in consideration as to the most feasible 
disposition that I can make of my earthly effects when I no 
longer have need of them. {Enter Craig.) With the excep- 
tion of you and Louise, I have no near kin save your 
daughter Belinda and my nephew, Sidney Craig. I do 
not like Sidney Craig : he is an idle, envious fellow, un- 
deserving of good fortune. My wish is to appropriately 
remember him, and then leave the bulk of my estate to 
Belinda. But — I hear that Belinda has espoused this abomi- 
nable cause of female suffrage, with which I have no sympathy; 
that she writes for the newspapers and even speaks in public, 



MARRYING IELINDA 5 

which no woman of the Lathrop family has ever been known to 
do before. Moreover, I learn that she has refused many ad- 
vantageous offers of marriage — Henry Gray's among them — 
and is obsessed with this disgraceful agitation. Now my ul- 
timatum is this: lam coming to your home January first, 
arriving at nine o'clock in the evening. Let Belinda be suita- 
bly married before my arrival, or I shall reverse my decision, 
Sidney Craig will be the gainer, and Belinda may content her- 
self with Sidney's portion. Trusting that you will consider 
this a fair and reasonable proposition, I remain, Your affection- 
ate sister, Selina Lathrop." 

Bel. A most fiendish proposition, and quite worthy 
of the Middle Ages ! 

Mrs. L. You know, Belinda, that your aunt is most eccen- 
tric, but we can hardly afford not to humor her. Your part is 
certainly easy. Henry Gray is a most estimable young man, 
whom I've no doubt you'll marry some day. Why not now, 
thus please your aunt and make us all happy ? 

Bel. {bitterly). Why not say, sell myself for half a 
million dollars? 

Mrs. L. Your words are unjust, child. Herman, give me 
the letter. Perhaps you construe it harsher than it is. 

Mr. L. {handing Mrs. L. the letter). There's no doubt as 
to your aunt's meaning, Belinda; and, while I should be the 
last to urge you into a disagreeable marriage, I think our friend 
Gray a most admirable young fellow, one fitted in every way to 
make you happy, and whom your aunt 

Mrs. L. {springing from her chair). Merciful heavens, 
Herman, why didn't you show me this letter before? 

Mr. L. {excitedly). What's the matter? 

Mrs. L. What shall we do? This date that you have read 
as January first is June first ! 

Mr. L. Impossible ! Why, that's {Seizes letter.) I 

believe it is ! 

Bel. Give me the letter. (Mr. L. hands her the letter.) 
It is. Father, can't you read ? It's June as plain as possible ! 

Mr. L. {weakly). My eyes 

Mrs. L. It's to-day. To-day is June first. 

{Falls into chair.) 

Mr. L. {consulting calendar). It is to-day. What can be 
done? 



V MARRYING BELINDA 

Mrs. L. And Selina will be here at nine ! 

Mr. L. She will be furious ! 

Bel. {calmly). Fate is kind to Sidney Craig. 

Mrs. L. See what you've done, you ungrateful girl. If 
you hadn't procrastinated 

Mr. L. She isn't to blame; it's my fault. I thought we 
had six months. She might have given in before January. 

Bel. Yes, father, I might — perhaps, I might — have given 
in. But it's too late now. 

Mr. L. {looking at watch). Is it too late? Let me think. 
If Gray can get a license, there's time yet. I'll call him up. 

{Seizes telephone.) 

Mrs. L. Herman, are you crazy ? 

Bel. {placing her hand on her fathers arm). Father, you 
shall not 

Mr. L. {irritably). Leave me alone. {Takes down re- 
ceiver.) Central, give me 494-2 Yes Is this Henry 

Gray's house? Oh, is it you, Henry? This is Lathrop 

talking Good You know that matter of my sister's 

money; I've explained it to you Well, I've made a mis- 
take. She wants Belinda to be married before June first instead 

of January first No, I'm not crazy I want you and 

Belinda to be married this evening ! What's that? Yes, 

she'll agree Call upHorton; get a special license Come 

to the house as soon as possible You're a brick ! I'll 

get the rector We'll expect you Good-bye. 

{Hangs tip receiver.) 

Bel. What have you done? 

Mr. L. Never mind what I've done. I'm going to save 
your fortune for you in spite of yourself. ( Takes down re- 
ceiver.) Give me 332-4 .Hello, is this Doctor Bardsley's 

house? Yes, I want to speak with the doctor Is this 

you, Doctor Bardsley? I'm Lathrop — Herman Lathrop. 

Can you come up to the house to officiate at a marriage? 

No, it's my daughter Yes, it is sudden, very sudden. Will 

explain later What's that? Terrible cold — in June? 

Can't we come to your house? Certainly, doctor 

Yes Yes .Yes, we'll be there in half an hour..., ..Good- 
bye. {Hangs up receiver.) 

Mrs. L 6 What does Doctor Bardsley say ? 



MARRYING BELINDA J 

Mr. L. He doesn't know what to say ; but he's sick, so 
we've got to go to his house. I'll 'phone Gray to go to the 
rector's — he won't have time to come here first. 

Bel. Won't you listen to me ? 

Mr. L. No, I'm arranging this to suit myself. Some day 
you'll thank me. (Bel. begins to cry ; her mother trys to 
comfort her. Mr. L. seizes the receiver.') Give me 494-2 

Is this Henry Gray's? I'm Herman Lathrop. I want 

Mr. Gray He's just gone out? Can't you call him back? 

Good. Tell him to go to Doctor Bardsley's house at 

Warrington Place instead of coming to my home Thank 

you Good-bye. (Hangs up receiver.) There, Belinda, 

don't cry. We'll have to start for the rectory in a minute. 
(Rings bell.) On our way back, we'll stop at the station for 
Selina. Whew ! I haven't hurried so much in thirty years. 
(Enter Marie.) Tell John to have the car at the door with 
all possible speed. 

Marie. Yes, sir. 

Mrs. L. And, Marie, bring my wraps and Miss Lathrop's 
here, please ; and tell the cook to prepare luncheon for six. 

Marie. Yes, marm. [ExiL 

Bel. Now, father, I'm not going to 

Mr. L. Belinda, not a word. Everything is working out 
far better than I dared to hope. We'll have the better of 
Selina yet. You've just said that you would have given in 
before January. Why not now ? 

Bel. But it wouldn't have been 

Enter Marie, with wraps. 

Marie. Please, sir, John says he has the car apart, and he 
can't be ready before half an hour, sir. 

Mr. L. Furiation ! What a time to be tinkering with the 
machine ! Put on your wraps ; we'll have to go by trolley. 

Mrs. L. My dear, I'm so weak and nervous, I can never 
walk to the trolley. My poor nerves 

Mr. L. Then we'll send Belinda ahead. I tell you 

Benton will go with her. Then we can all come back in the 
auto. 

Bel. Oh, father ! 

Mr. L. (to Marie). Tell Mr. Benton to step this way. 
(Exit Marie.) Belinda, put on your wraps. 

Mrs. L. (helping Bel. with her wraps). It's lucky that 
you have on your white dress, dear. Nothing could be more 



8 MARRYING BELINDA 

appropriate ; but, my dear child, this is not the wedding that 
I had planned for you. 

Bel. {bitterly). It will do as well as any other. 

Benton {entering). You wish me, sir ? 

Mr. L. Yes. I've a rather delicate matter on hand to- 
night ; but you have served me faithfully, and I feel that I can 
safely repose confidence in you. 

Benton. I hope so, sir. 

Mr. L. A business matter has arisen that unfortunately 

necessitates my daughter's being married to-night Why, 

what is the matter ? 

Benton {unsteadily). Miss Lathrop — married to-night — I 
don't understand. 

Mr. L. I hardly wonder. By a strange whim, my sister 
Selina, a most eccentric person, as you know, demands that 
Belinda be married before her arrival which may be to-night at 
nine o'clock. A mistake of mine accounts for our not realizing 
sooner the necessity for prompt action. 

Benton. But who ? I beg your pardon. 

{Puts his hand to his head as if confused.) 

Mr. L. A most natural query, sir, as my daughter's en- 
gagement has not been announced. However, Henry Gray, 
a most estimable young man that has long been devotedly at- 
tached to Belinda, is good enough to waive conventionality, 
and Doctor Bardsley is to marry them this evening. 

Benton. It seems very sudden. I can hardly realize- ■ 

Mr. L. Exactly. We can scarcely realize it ourselves. 
But it is now time for Belinda to be at the rectory, where Mr. 
Gray will join her. Will you be so good as to accompany her, 
and Mrs. Lathrop and I will follow shortly in the motor? 

Benton {to Bel.). Is it your wish, Miss Lathrop? 

Bel. Yes. 

Benton {mechanically). Then let us lose no time. 

Mr. L. That's my good girl. {Kisses Bel.) 

Mrs. L. We will soon be with you. {Kisses Bel. Exe- 
unt Bel. with Benton.) Oh, this excitement is too much — 
my poor nerves ! {Sinks into chair.) 

Mr. L. {seizing fan and fanning Mrs. L. vigorously). 
There, there, Louise, think of what we have done. My prompt 
action has saved half a million for our child and settled her for 
life. I feel that I am worthy of congratulations. 



MARRYING BELINDA 9 

( While he is speaking Craig pretends to enter the room.) 

Craig. Good-evening, Uncle Herman. 

Mr. L. (with perceptible annoyance). Why, Craig, this is 
indeed a surprise. 

Mrs. L. (weakly). How do you do? 

Craig (sitting down nonchalantly). Quite well, aunt. 
Fact is, I was passing and thought 1 would stop in for a few 
moments. 

Mr. L. (with embarrassment). Quite right. Glad to see 
you. Hope you'll come again— that is— your aunt and I have 
a most important engagement. To tell the truth, Selina is 
coming this evening, and we're going to the station 

Craig (easily). Don't let me detain you for the world. 
If you don't mind, I'll sit here and read until you return. 
(Picks up newspaper.) I'd uncommonly like to see Aunt 
Selina. ^ r 

Mrs. L. Now that's good of you. You re sure that you 
will not be lonesome ? 

Craig. Perfectly sure. I'll make myself completely at 
home. 

Mr. L. We shall not be gone very long. 

Craig. But don't hurry on my account. I 

Marie (entering). The auto is ready, sir. 

Mrs. L. Oh, dear, I can never go. 

Mr. L. Nonsense, Louise, we have no time to waste. 
We've got to be on time for the — for Selina. 

Craig {innocently). By all means. 

(Marie helps Mrs. L. with her wraps.) 

Mrs. L. I'm ready now, Herman. 

Mr. L. Good ! Now, nephew, make yourself at home. 
(Points to desk.) There's all the magazines. 

Mrs. L. You must stay for luncheon after we get back. 
Good-bye. _ 

Craig. I will, thank you. Good-bye. (Exeunt Mr. L. 
with Mrs. L.) Marie ! 

Marie. Yes, sir. 

Craig. If a gentleman named Gray should happen to call, 
be sure to send him up to me. Don't let him go away. 

(Hands her coin.) 



10 MARRYING BELINDA 

Marie {looking at coin delightedly). Thank you, sir. I'll 
send him up. {Goes to door.) 

Craig. And, Marie. 

Marie. Yes ? 

Craig. Don't be surprised at anything you may hear. I 
may have to detain him a few minutes. If this bell rings 
while he is here, you needn't come. Understand? 

Marie. I understand. 

Craig. That is all. 

Marie. Thank you, sir. . [Exit. 

Craig (moodily). Half a million dollars missed me by only 
an hour. Just my infernal luck. (Starts up.) Perhaps I 
can save it yet. If I could only get hold of Gray. (Seizes 
telephone. Noise without. Puts dozvn telephone and tiptoes 
to door.) I believe that's Gray now. (Marie ushers in 
Henry Gray, then goes out. Craig, cordially.) Delighted 
to see you, Gray. 

( Unseen by Gray, he locks the door and puts the key in his 
pocket.) 

Gray (confusedly). Why, I don't understand. Where's 
Mr. Lathrop — Belinda? 

Craig. Gone, my dear friend, gone. 

Gray. Where? 

Craig. To the rector's, where they are awaiting the blush- 
ing bridegroom. Didn't you get the message? 

Gray (excitedly). What message? 

Craig (ecstatically). Some way I felt that it was sent too 
late. 

Gray (angrily). What do you mean ? 

Craig. My uncle 'phoned your housekeeper to tell you to 
go to the rectory rather than come here. She said you were 
just leaving. 

Gray. I must have gotten out of hearing. Why, I'll have 
to hurry. ( Tries door and turns back in astonishment at find- 
ing it locked.) What — what does this mean ? 

Craig. Not so fast, Mr. Gray. I want to talk to you. 

Gray (angrily). Why, man, don't you know that I'm to 
be married to-night ? 

Craig (with emphasis). Pardon me, Mr. Gray, but I don't 
know anything of the kind. 

Gray. Why, this is an outrage — an insult. Open that door 
at once. 



MARRYING BELINDA II 

Craig (laughing). Suppose I refuse ? 

Gray. I'll ring for the servants. (Seizes bell.) 

Craig. They have their instructions. 

Gray {dropping bell). Do you know to what you're laying 
yourself liable ? 

Craig (imperturbably). I'm willing to risk it. 

Gray (going to window). I'll get out 

Craig. I wouldn't jump ; it's three stories. 

Gray. I am at a loss to account for your peculiar behavior. 
You must know that I have not a minute to waste. Are you 
crazy ? 

Craig. Think very hard, Mr. Gray, and then see if I neces- 
sarily need to be insane to wish to detain you until the arrival 
of my aged relative. 

Gray. Why, why — I see — if Belinda is not married before 
her aunt's arrival, you get the money. 

Craig. Exactly. I congratulate you on your astuteness, 
Mr. Gray. 

Gray (angrily pacing the floor). You are a wretch, a 
fiendish, diabolical schemer. I'll expose you before the whole 
world. 

Craig. Not so fast. Suppose we sit down, and I'll con- 
vince you that I have more altruistic reasons for preventing 
this marriage than you give me credit for. 

Gray. I'll be 

Craig (sternly imperious). Sit down ! 

Gray (sitting down). If you'll let me out 

Craig (sitting down). When — I'm ready. Now let's 
thrash this matter out. Do you remember writing a letter 
in the library of the Century Club on a certain Thursday 
afternoon of last month ? 

Gray. I often write letters 

Craig. Well, this particular time I was in the room. It 
was a windy day, Mr. Gray, and the windows were open. As 
you left the desk to speak to a friend, a gust of wind blew the 
last sheet of your letter to my feet. I picked it up. (Takes 
paper from pocket.) Here it is. 

Gray (springing to his feet). You dared to read 

Craig. I'm playing a big game.. Gray, and I'm not hand- 
ing back the weapons Fate puts in my hands. Do you wish 
me to read you a sentence or two from this sheet ? 

Gray (in confusion). One doesn't always mean 

Craig. You doubtless don't mean this, but you've writ- 



12 MARRYING BELINDA 

ten it. That's all I care. (Reads.) "No, I'm not ready for 
Congrats yet, as Miss High and Mighty doesn't seem overanx- 
ious to drop suffrage and settle down ; heavens, Lawrence, if it 
wasn't for Aunt Selina — bless her dear old soul — I'd chuck the 
whole business and marry little Irene, who doesn't care for 
woman's suffrage, and who thinks yours truly a poet's dream. 
But one can't afford to let sentiment stand in the way of half a 
million." (Puts down letter.) I think that will do nicely. 

Gray. No one will believe 

Craig. It's over your signature. 

Gray. You're a sneaking 

Craig. Be careful. As a member of the family, I cannot 
see our little Belinda married to a fortune-hunter. 

Gray. Perhaps Mr. Lathrop will hardly thank you for your 
interference. 

Craig. If Uncle Lathrop's going to be huffy, I'll marry 
Belinda myself. 

Gray. She has accepted me. 

Craig {significantly). Do you want her minus half a 
million ? 

Gray. Why — er — I 

Craig. There, I knew it ! (Looks at watch.) Come now, 
Gray, it's time for Aunt Selina. You've lost the money, but 
there's yet time to save your spotless reputation. Tell Lathrop 
that you have been unavoidably detained, and I'll keep mum 
about this letter. One word from you, and I'll show the 
Lathrops just what a prize they've lost. (Noise without.) 
Come, what will you do? 

Gray (sullenly). I'll keep still. 

Craig. That's the stuff! (Unlocks door and puts letter in 
his pocket.) Remember your part now. 

Enter Mr. L., Mrs. L., Bel., and Benton, with hats and 
wraps, and in various stages of agitation. Mrs. L. falls 
weakly into a chair. Benton fans her. 

Mr. L. Why, what does this mean? Gray, you here? 
We've been waiting at the rectory until we're nearly crazy. 
It's nine o'clock. Didn't you get my message? 

Gray. I came here as you told me. I've been unavoidably 
detained — about the license. 

Mr. L. I 'phoned you to come to the rectory. 

Gray. I didn't get the message. (To Bel.) Belinda, 
what can you think of me? Can we not go back ? 



MARRYING BELINDA I3 

Bel. {coldly). If father wishes. 

Mr. L. (^nervously). There is no time. Craig, couldn't 
you do anything ? 

Craig {innocently). Mr. Gray just came in, uncle, and I 
could only tell him that you had gone out. 

Mr. L. True. Well, we will go back. (Looks at watch.) 
Heavens, I've forgotten Selina ! Her train is more than due. 
I hope it's late. (Rings bell.) We must do something. 

Mrs. L. (her handkerchief to her eyes). Selina will never 
forgive us. 

Enter Marie. 

Mr. L. (to Marie). Tell John to go to the station for Miss 
Selina with all possible speed. (Exit Marie.) And, Benton, 
run across the street for the Baptist minister. He'll do as well 
as anybody. (Noise without.) What's this? 

Enter Selina Lathrop, dressed for traveling, with various 
bundles and a small dog. 

Sel. Of all things ! I found the door open and walked 
right up. Are you all petrified that you allow a poor old lady, 
arriving in the city at nine o'clock at night, to drive through 
the streets alone in a hired conveyance ? 

Mr. L. (pleasantly). My dear Selina 

Sel. Don't apologize. You've known I was coming for 
three months. Don't all look so frightened. Have I dropped 
in at a wedding or a funeral ? 

Benton (pushing forward an easy chair). Won't you sit 
down, Miss Selina ? Let me take your wraps. 

Sel. (sitting down and removing wraps). Thank you, Lee 
Benton. You're a thoughtful young man. I don't suppose it 
ever occurred to any of the rest of you that I might be tired 
after riding from Chicago. Where's the maid ? 

Mr. L. (ringing bell). She will be here directly, sister. 

Sel. I trust she will. How do you do, Nephew Craig? 
As idle as ever, I suppose ? 

Craig (significantly). I trust that I've been improving my 
time well lately. 

Sel. (grimly). There's room for improvement in you, good- 
ness knows. (Enter Marie. Sill, hands her the dog.) Marie, 
please see that Jewel has a cup of warm milk at once, and then 
place him where he may sleep undisturbed until I call him. 
You'll find his bed in this package. (Gives her bundle.) 



14 MARRYING BELINDA 

Marie {giggling). Yes, marm. 

Sel. Be sure that he doesn't lie in a draft. 

Marie. Yes, marm. [Exit, with dog. 

Sel. Belinda ! 

Bel. Yes, aunt. {Kisses her J) 

Sel. I haven't heard of your wedding yet. 

Bel. {sitting down). No, I fear you haven't. 

Sel. Well, so much the better for somebody else I know. 
{Looks at Craig.) Still you might have humored an old lady's 
whim. Herman, Louise, couldn't you do anything with her? 

Mr. L. {irritably). If I could have an opportunity to 
speak, I could explain a good deal. 

Sel. I'm sure we're all listening. 

Mr. L. First let me present to you my friend, Mr. Gray. 

Sel. Glad to know you, Mr. Gray. I've often heard of you. 

( Gives him her hand.) 

Gray. The pleasure is all mine, Miss Lathrop. 

Mr. L. Mr. Gray and Belinda were to have been married 
this evening, had not an unfortunate circumstance detained Mr. 
Gray and prevented the performance of the ceremony before 
your arrival. 

Sel. Was there any particular reason why this ceremony 
was postponed until the eleventh hour ? 

Mr. L. A very particular reason, Selina, which I can 
explain. 

Mrs. L. It isn't Belinda's fault. 

Sel. {sarcastically). I suppose not, and it isn't Belinda's 
fault that she has played with her prospects all these months. 

Gray. Dear Miss Lathrop, why can we not be married 
now ? We are all ready, the minister will soon be here 

Sel. {rising). I'm sorry, Mr. Gray, but when I say a thing, 
I never retreat. Marry Belinda when you will, but I am 
through with her. Sidney Craig, you may come to see me in 
the morning. 

Craig. Thank you. 

(Gray glares at him.) 

Mrs. L. (in tears). Oh, Selina, how can you be so cruel ? 

Mr. L. You are unjust, sister. I can show you 

Sel. {resuming her seat). It's of no use to whine; you've 
had your chance. I am adamant. Lee Benton, you're the 



MARRYING BELINDA 15 

most sensible man I know. Have I not played fair in this 
matter ? 

Benton. It is your privilege, Miss Lathrop, to dispose of 
your own as you see fit ; but I must say that, whatever hap- 
pens, my sympathy is with Miss Belinda, for whom I have the 
utmost respect and admiration. 

Sel. Well, you're a plain spoken young man at all events. 
I like your nerve. Belinda. 

Bel. Yes. 

Sel. {tremulously). Have you any excuse to offer for run- 
ning in opposition to — to — a poor old woman — that was — fond 
of you, Belinda ? ( Wipes eyes.) 

Bel. I'm truly sorry to grieve you, Aunt Selina, but I've 
merely followed the dictates of my own heart. 

Sel. Your own heart ? Fiddlesticks ! I've lived a lonely 
life, Belinda; I haven't always been happy. I wanted you to 
be. They say that your sole ambition is to propagate the cause 
of suffrage ; but I don't want my money squandered for that 
purpose. I want it to found a home, and, if you had mar- 
ried 

Bel. {quietly). I am married, Aunt Selina. 

Sel. What? 

Mr. L. Belinda, are you crazy ? 

Craig {in consternation). Good heavens ! 

Mrs. L. Oh, I shall faint ! 

(Mr. L. fans Mrs. L. vigorously.) 

Sel. Explain yourself, miss. 

Bel. {moving near Benton). Mr. Benton and I were mar- 
ried this evening. 

Mr. L. How did you dare ? 

Bel. Aunt Selina did not specify whom I should marry. 

Benton {taking Bel.'s hand). Belinda and I have been 
contemplating this step for some time. I had the license and 
was only waiting for Belinda's permission to speak to you 

Bel. {interrupting). Lee knew nothing of Aunt Selina's 
intentions until this evening, when I persuaded him to have the 
ceremony at once and explain afterward. 

Mrs. L. You might have confided in your mother, Belinda. 

Bel. You and father espoused the cause of — some one else 
so fervently, that I feared you would show Lee little kindness. 
{To Gray.) I can only apologize to you, Henry, and say that 



1 6 MARRYING BELINDA 

I should have prevented father from sending for you if he 
had let me. 

Ghay. Do not mention it, Belinda; I think I'll say good- 
night. (Bows. ) 

Craig. And, as I am going your way, I'll be excused also. 
(To Benton.) Please accept my congratulations. 

Benton. Thank you. 

Craig. Good-night. 

All. Good-night. [Exit Craig with Gray. 

Sel. (to Bel.). So you couldn't quite make up your mind 
to relinquish the money after all ? 

Bel. More exactly, I could not make up my mind to marry 
Henry Gray. 

Sel. There's where you showed your good sense. (Takes 
Benton's hand.) Nephew Benton, if I'd had the least idea 
that you would take a fancy to my flyaway niece, I'd have in- 
sisted that she marry you, though (grimly) that would hardly 
have helped your cause. You won't let the suffragettes get my 
money. 

Benton (smiling). Not all of it, Aunt Selina. 

Sel. Herman, don't stand there petrified. Can't you shake 
hands with your son ? 

Mr. L. (shaking hands). Why, Benton, I'd never thought 
of you. 

Mrs. L. I've always liked you, Lee, but this excitement is 
terrible for my poor nerves. 

(Gives Benton her hand.) 

Sel. Forget your nerves, Louise, and think about getting 
me a cup of tea. I'm growing too old for scenes like this. 

(Benton rings bell.) 

Mrs. L. We're going to have luncheon • 

Sel. I never eat at night, Louise, and you know it. (Enter 
Marie.) Bring a cup of hot tea, please. {Exit Marie. 

Bel. (taking Benton's hand). Oh, Lee, this all seems like 
a dream. Can it be true? 

Benton (softly). A blessed reality, dear, or, at least, if it's 
a dream, I trust I'll never wake up. 

Mrs. L. (weakly). A dream ? A nightmare I call— most 
of it! 



MARRYING BELINDA 1 7 

Enter Marie with tea, which she hands to Sel. Exit. 

Sel. {sipping ted). Well, Lee Benton, all I have to say is 
that, considering the nervous susceptibility of this family, next 
time you had better give them a little warning. 

Mr. L. {mopping his forehead). I hope there'll never be 
any next time, and I'm glad that I've no other children; for 
I'll confess that I'm completely worn out marrying Belinda. 

{All laugh.) 



CURTAIN 



New Farces and Comedies 

HIGBEE OF HARVARD 
A Comedy Drama in Three Acts 

By Charles Townsend 
Five males, four females. Modern costumes ; scenes, two interiors and 
an exterior — the latter may be played as well in an interior, if preferred,, 
Plays a full evening. A clever, up-to-date piece, well suited for amatem 
performance. No small parts ; all good. Good plot, full of incident, no 
love-making, interest strong and sustained. 

Pricey if ce?its 

A REGIMENT OF TWO 

A Farcical Comedy in Three Acts 

By Anthony E. Wills 
Six males, four females. Modern costumes. Scene, an interior, the same 
for all three acts. Plays a full evening. A lively, up-to-date farce, easy to 
produce and full of laughs from beginning to end. All the parts good — . 
no small ones. German comedy characters for both male and female, 
and " wild west " character part and English character comedy. Strongly 
recommended. 

Price, 25 cents 

THE MISSING MISS MILLER 

A Comedy in Three Acts 

By Harold A. Clarke 
Six males, five females. Scenery, two interiors; costumes modern. 
Plays a full evening. A bright and up-to-date farce-comedy of the liveliest 
type. All the parts good; full of opportunity for all hands. Easy to pro- 
duce and strongly recommended. Good tone ; might answer for schools, 
but is a sure hit for amateur theatricals. Professional stage rights reserved 
Price, 25 cents 

MISS BUZBY'S BOARDERS 

A Comedy in Three Acts 

By Arthur Lewis Tubbs 

Five male, six female characters. Costumes modern ; scenery, two easy 

interiors. Plays two hours. In a lighter vein than this writer's other 

pieces, but just as strong, and offers plenty of comedy. All the parts good \ 

fomr call for strong acting. Several good character parts and effective 

heavy character. Dialogue especially good. A sure hit. 

Price, 2J cents 



By the Author of "Mr. Bob" 

THE NEW CRUSADE 

A Comedy in Two Acts 
By Rachel Baker Gale 
Twelve females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors. Plays one 
hour and thirty minutes. A very amusing satire of the servant girl ques- 
tion, brimful of telling incidents and effective lines. All the parts are 
good and of nearly equal opportunity, and practically play themselves. 
Well rehearsed, it is a sure success and goes with a scream. Irish, negro 
and Swede character parts and a " tough " girl. Strongly recommended 
for ladies' clubs. Can be played only on payment of a royalty of $5.00 
to the author. 

Price, 25 cents 

CHARACTERS 
Miss Morris, nothing if not businesslike. 

Mrs. Cogswell- Brown, who believes in cooperative housekeeping. 
Mrs. Potter- Hewitt, who looks small, but is not. 
Mrs. Raymond, who advocates "The New Crusade." 
Mrs. Archibald Tracey, in search of a maid and experience. 
Bridgett Mahoney, in search of " an ould gintleman." 
Mary Macguire, who likes "the theyatre in the winter toime" 
Augusta Olsen, who comes from "Svedenfor big monay" 
Cassie Clay, who never "takes suggestions from anybody" 
Jennie BurCH, who never "has time for afternoon tea." 
Matilda Johnson, who likes "slaughtermobiles and a choffer** 
Merry, the settlement girl — who's always "on de level" 

COATS AND PETTICOATS 

A Comedy in One Act 

By Rachel Baker Gale 

One male (played by a woman), seven females, and if desired, sixteen 

girls for chorus. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior. Plays forty-five 

minutes. A very lively and amusing piece introducing fancy dresses, 

music and dancing. All the parts of about equal opportunity. Irish 

comedy part and two capital " old maids." Very funny and not difficult. 

Complete with music for the Suffragettes' song and march and the Old 

Maids' song and march. Very strongly recommended. 

Pricey 25 cents 

AN EASY MARK 
A Farce in One Act 

By Innis Gardner Osborn 
Five males, two females. Costumes, modern ; scene, an easy interior. 
Plays thirty-five minutes. A side-splitting farce of college life lively enough 
to suit the most exacting demands. Full of funny incident and telling 
lines. Burlesque actor and " tough " young man parts ; the rest " straight" 
and all good. Recommended for schools. Price t rj cents. 



Popular Plays 



THE COUNTRY MINISTER 

A Comedy Drama in Five Acts 

By Arthur Lewis Tubbs 
Eight males, five females. Costumes, modern ; scenery not difficult. 
Plays a full evening. A very sympathetic piece, of powerful dramatic in- 
terest; strong and varied comedy relieves the serious plot. Ralph Un- 
derwood, the minister, is a great part, and Roxy a strong soubrette ; all 
parts are good and full of opportunity. Clean, bright and strongly recom- 
mended. Price, 25 cents 

THE TEASER 

A Rural Comedy in Three Acts 
By Charles S. Allen 
Four male, three female characters. Scene, an easy interior, the same 
for all three acts ; costumes, modern. Plays an hour and a half. An ad- 
mirable play for amateurs, very easy to get up, and very effective. Uraliah 
Higgins, a country postman, and Drusilla Todd are capital comedy parts, 
introducing songs or specialties, if desired. Plenty of incidental fun. 
Price, 25 cents 

THE HERO OF THE GRIDIRON 

A College Comedy in Five Acts 

By Estelle Cook 

Nine male, four female characters and supernumeraries. Costumes, 

modern ; scenery, easy interiors and exteriors, not essential. Plays about 

two hours. A successful farce suited to co-educational and other colleges ; 

very easy and remarkably effective in performance. Can be played only 

on payment of a royalty of $5.00 for each performance to the author. 

Price, 25 cents 

MOSE 

A Comedy in Three Acts 
By C. W. Miles 
Eleven males, ten females. Scenery, two interiors ; costumes, modern., 
Plays an hour and a half. A lively college farce, full of the true college 
spirit. Its cast is large, but many of the parts are small and incidental. 
Introduces a good deal of singing, which will serve to lengthen the per- 
formance. The inevitable football is an element of its story, but its 
strongest dramatic interest does not depend upon this. Recommended 
highly for co-educational colleges. 

Price, 15 cents 

Sent, post-paid, on receipt of price, by 

BAKER, 5 Hamilton Place, Boston, Mass* 



New Farces 



THE ELOPEMENT OF ELLEN 
A Farce Comedy in Three Acts 

By Marie J. Warren 

Four males, three females. Costumes modern ; scenery, one interior and 

one exterior. Plays an hour and a half. A bright and ingenious little 

play, admirably suited for amateur acting. Written for and originally 

produced by Wellesley College girls. Strongly recommended. 

Price, 25 cents 

TOMMY'S WIFE 
A Farce in Three Acts 
By Marie J. Warren 
Three males, five females. Costumes modern ; scenery, two interiors. 
Plays an hour and a half. Originally produced by students of Wellesley 
College. A very original and entertaining play, distinguished by abun- 
dant humor. An unusually clever piece, strongly recommended. 
Price, 25 cents 

ALL CHARLEY'S FAULT 

An Original Farce in Two Acts 

By Anthony E. Wilts 
Six males, three females. Scenery, an easy interior ; costumes modern. 
Plays two hours. A very lively and laughable piece, full of action and 
admirably adapted for amateur performance. Dutch and Negro comedy 
characters. Plays very rapidly with lots of incident and not a dull mo- 
ment. Free for amateurs, but professional stage rights are reserved by 
the author. Strongly recommended. 

Price, if cents 

OUT OF TOWN 

A Comedy in Three Acts 
By Bel! Elliot Palmer 
Three males, five females. Scene, an interior, the same for all three: 
acts ; costumes modern. Plays an hour and a half. A clever and inter- 
esting comedy, very easy to produce and recommended for amateur per. 
formance. Tone high and atmosphere refined. All the parts good. A 
safe piece for a fastidious audience, as its theme and treatment are alike 
beyond reproach. 

Price, g§ cents 



New Plays 



ELMWOOD FOLKS 

A Drama in Three Acts 
By Charles S. Bird 
Author of "At the Junction" etc. 
Eight males, four females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two interiors, 
one exterior. Plays a full evening. An easy and very actable piece with 
an unusually even cast of characters. Clean, wholesome and entertain- 
ing ; can be recommended for school performance. 
Price, 25 cents 

CHARACTERS 
David Bainbridge, editor of the Elmwood "Item." 
James Wentworth, an old compositor. 
Squire Alford, a hard man. 
Dick Alford, his stepson, a young lawyer. 
Whittier Jones, a contributor to the "Item.** 
Tommy Gay, David's apprentice. 
Mr. Pinch, an officer. 
A Messenger Boy. 
Mrs. Bainbridge, David's wife. 
Bessie Bainbridge, their daughter. 
Drucilla Jones, Whittier s aunt. 
Mary Gay, Mrs. Bainbridge s maid. Tommy's sister. 

SYNOPSIS 

Act I.— Office of the Elmwood Item. 

Act II. — Lawn beside the Bainbridge home. 

Act III. — Parlor in the same. 

HER UNCLE'S BOOTS 

A Farce in One Act 

By Mrs. Myrtle Barber Carpenter 

Seven females. Costumes, modern; scene, an easy interior. Plays 

thirty minutes. An easy and effective little play suitable lor Girls' 

Schools or young people in amateur theatricals. Very funny, but with a 

sympathetic thread of interest. Clean and bright. Recommended. 

Price, 7j cents 

AN OUTSIDER 

A College Play for Girls in One Act 

By Wilhemen Wilkes 

Sevtn females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, an interior. Plays 

thirty-five minutes. An unusually strong and sympathetic little play for 

its length and pretensions, strongly recommended to schools. The story 

turns upon a basket-ball match and is full of interest. 

Price } ij cents 



New Plays 



THE MISHAPS OF MINERVA 

A Farce in Two Acts 
By Bertha Currier Porter 
Five males, eight females. Costumes, modern ; scene, an interior. Plays 
one and a half hours. An exceptionally bright and amusing little play of 
high class and recommended to all classes of amateur players. P'ull of ac- 
tion and laughs, but refined. Irish low comedy part. Strongly endorsed. 
Price, 25 cents 

CHARACTERS 
Mortimer J. Sterling, an easy-going business man. 
Victor Brown, a young doctor, friend of the family and especially 

of Minerva. 
Harry Stevenson, a club reporter, attentive to Clara, 
Barnes, the butler. 

Mike Shannon, a very new policeman. 
Mrs. Lydia Sterling, domestic and quiet. 
Minerva Sterling, willing to oblige. 
Clara Sterling, her younger sister. 
Molly, the maid. 

Belle Brantley, reporter for " The Screamer,* 9 
Mrs. Wright, a club woman. 
Miss Palmer, a philanthropic worker. 
Mrs. Jennie Van Deusen Spuyker, a Personage. 
Members of the reception committee. 

a change of heart 

A Comedy in Two Acts 

By Albert H. Good 

Five males, six females. Costumes, modern ; scene, a single interior. 

Plays an hour and a half. An easy, pretty and effective play, suited for 

schools or young people. Scenery not absolutely necessary. Can be 

recommended. Price, 25 cents 

MAKING A SISTER 

A Mock Initiation for Ladies in One Act 
By Epes Winthrop Sargent 
Ten female characters. Costumes, modern ; scenery unimportant. Plays 
from forty minutes to an hour. A very bright and lively entertainment, 
especially strong in its dialogue. Plenty of ludicrous incident and char- 
acteristic action, but quite without the element of «« rough and tumble " 
that would be so objectionable in an entertainment for ladies. The candi- 
date is placed in positions that are rather undignified but is neither 
mussed nor mauled. Strongly recommended. . , . ... 

Price } 25 cents ■■'' : ■"•'■' • «** 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



FEB 15 1912 



i 



9L W. ^tnero's $la?g 

#rice, 50 €entg «£ad| 



TffF MAfilSTR ATF Farce In Three Acts. Twelve males, four 
lllb lUAUMiiMiib females costumes, modern; scenery, all 
Interior. Plays two hours and a half. 

THE NOTORIOUS MRS. EBBSMITH %°;™ZZZ^. 

Costumes, modern ; scenery, all Interiors PI; ys a full evening. 

THF PROFI Hi ATF ^ a ^ *° Four Ac<,s ® eyen males, five females . 
^ Scenery, three interiors, rather elaborate ; 

costumes, modern. Plays a full evening. 

TUP Cmnni 1WICTDEQQ Farce in Three Acts. Nine males, seven 

mr, auiuuuiidiiuas females> CogtumeS)modern . scenery , 

three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

THE SECOND MRS. TANQDERAY 23U*^* T 

tumes, modern ; scenery, three interiors. Plays a full evening. 

SWFFT T A YFNDFR Comedv ** Three Acts. Seven males, four 
JTTiaa L,AlL<\MJhR. femaleg Scene, a single interior; costumes, 
modern. Plays a full evening. 

THF TI1WFS C° med y ^ Four Acts. Six males, seven females. 
Scene, a single interior; costumes, modern. Plays a 
full evening. 

THE WFAKER SEX Comed y *** Tbr© 6 ^ Gta - Eight males, eight 
JLiJ * females. Costumes, modern ; scenery, two 
Interiors. Plays a full evening. 

A WIFE WITHOUT A SMILE ^.SltJ: 

modern ; scene, a single interior. Plays a full evening. 



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A3 1VU MUlv 11 females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, va- 
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tumes, modern ; scenery, varied. Plays a full evening. 

INfiOMAR Pl a y * n Five Acts. Thirteen males, three females. 
rlHUUlTl/U\ Scenery varied ; costumes, Greek. Plays a full evening. 

MARY STUART Tragedy in Five Acts. Thirteen males, four fe- 
lTliil\l tJlUAlll males, and supernumeraries. Costumes, of the 
^period ; scenery, varied and elaborate. Plays a full evening. 



— males, three females. Costumes, 
(picturesque ; scenery varied. Plays a full evening. 

RTCHFT IFII -^^ a y * n Five Acts. Fifteen males, two females. Scen- 
JVlVliirl^lI^U er y elaborate ; costumes of the period. Plays a full 
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THF RIVAT S Comedy in Five Acts. Nine males, five females. 
1 Uh AI T ALtJ Scenery varied ; costumes of the period. Plays a 
full evening. 

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TWELFTH NHfflT; OR, WHAT YOU WILL SSfW-JK 

three females. Costumes, picturesque ; scenery, varied. Plays a 
full evening. 



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